WUMB Music Fest 2011 Adds Local, Campus Talent

WUMB Radio has gathered more than 15 acts from across the country - and Canada - for its 14th annual Music Fest on Sunday, June 5.

The biggest festival of its kind in the Boston area, music begins on the UMass Boston campus at noon and continues until 7 p.m. on three indoor and outdoor stages.

For the first time, the WUMB Music Fest includes a special showcase highlighting the talents of the UMass Boston community. Lecturer of Performing Arts Peter Janson, media services staff member Chris Pahud, and psychology major Ben Wright are all part of this year’s lineup.

"One of the best things about our annual festival is that it's a wonderful opportunity for up-and-coming local musicians to play alongside recognized national and international talent,” says WUMB General Manager Pat Monteith.

Among the notable performers who will be filling the stages is Kate Taylor, James Taylor’s sister. Rolling Stone called Kate Taylor’s 2002 release, Beautiful Road, a “heartfelt folk-rock gem”; her 2009 release, Fair Time, has also warmed the hearts of critics. Susan Werner will be making her second WUMB Music Fest appearance just three months after releasing her latest critically acclaimed album, Kicking the Beehive.

Vance Gilbert, a singer-songwriter with a voice Boston magazine once described as “haunting, artful, and lovely,” will also be on stage. Festival goers will also hear Canadian award-winning songwriter Lennie Gallant, who just won his 15th East Coast Music Award. His work has been featured on the soundtracks for TV shows like Dawson’s Creek and Joan of Arcadia. Later this summer he’ll be taking the stage at the Cavendish Beach Music Festival on Prince Edward Island alongside country stars Trace Adkins, Toby Keith, and Brad Paisley.

In addition to the music, the festival includes children's activities, crafts, and food vendors.

“It's more than just a world-class music festival in your own backyard,” Palmater says.

General admission tickets are $30 for WUMB members and $35 for non-members.

Faculty and staff members who volunteer to work commencement can enjoy the festival for free. Those who are unable to help with commencement can get discounted pricing through June 3 – $25 for faculty and staff and $10 for students.

Dorchester residents can get discounted tickets through UMass Boston’s Office of Community Relations by emailing community.relations@umb.edu or calling 617 287-5310.

Anyone with a ticket will also get free admission to the John F. Kennedy Library & Museum. The free admission is good for 9-11 a.m. on the day of the festival.

To buy tickets or learn more about the WUMB Music Fest, including a schedule of performers, visit http://wumbmusicfest.org or call 617 287-6911.